The United States has threatened Ukraine with sanctions for dispatching riot police to quell anti-government demonstrations that were leading to chaos in the streets.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych earlier this week dispatched hundreds of riot police against anti-government demonstrators, resulting in violent clashes and several injuries, United Press International reported. He called them back several hours later.
But on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department said the initial dispatch was wrong and that the United States was mulling a harsh response.
“All policy options, including sanctions, are on the table in our view,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, UPI reported. “I’m not going to get into the specifics of [types of sanctions]. We’re considering policy options. There obviously hasn’t been a decision made. Sanctions are included, but I’m not going to outline more specifics.”
The chaos in the Ukraine is rooted in the nation’s looming economic default and its rejection of a financial deal with the European Union in favor of tighter ties with Russia.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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